Intelligent Control of Advanced Power Generation Systems Using Model-Free Adaptive Control Technology

Boilers for future energy plants require sensor networks and intelligent control technologies that can yield fully-automated operations and adapt to changing process needs and fuel availability. However, conventional process control methods have presented barriers to the development of an intelligent system for controlling boilers and key operating units. This project will design, develop, test, evaluate, benchmark, and bring to production a general-purpose intelligent control system for controlling a new generation of boilers for energy plants. Phase I will evaluate, simulate, and determine the feasibility of using Model-Free Adaptive control technology as the basis for an intelligent control system for once-through-supercritical circulating-fluidized-bed (OTSC CFB) boilers. The general purpose use, adaptive capability, and user-friendliness of the intelligent control system will be examined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The intelligent control system should benefit any industry that relies on combustion processes for energy generation. Specific benefits include the ability to burn dirty fuels cleanly, higher energy efficiency, better product quality, safer and smoother plant operations, lower maintenance costs and material waste, and easier retrofit of legacy systems.